UMBC becomes first 16 seed to beat No. 1 seed
The University of Maryland, Baltimore County caused the biggest upset in NCAA tournament history on March 16 when the No. 16 Retrievers defeated the No. 1 Virginia Cavaliers 74-54. According to ESPN, the Retrievers never trailed in the second half, beginning it with a 17-3 run. Nolan Gerrity, forward for the Retrievers, said of the win, “We knew we could play with them. Somebody had to be the first [16 to win].”
Daria Kasatkina wins BNP match against Venus Williams
20-year-old Daria Kasatkina beat 37-year-old Venus Williams in their semifinal match at the 2018 BNP Paribas Open on March 16, according to USA Today Sports. Kasatkina had a 4-6, 6-4, 7-5 win against Williams and secured her first ticket to the final of a Masters series. Later, Williams said of the defeat, “Yeah, you know, she just played a little better at the end. It was really pretty much that simple.”
Nate Oats sparks NCAA controversy for criticizing Kentucky coach for ‘whining’
Buffalo basketball coach Nate Oats came under fire on March 15 after claiming Kentucky coach John Calipari was “whining” about his team’s youth. According to USA Today Sports, Oats said of the Kentucky coach, “Calipari’s been whining about no experience — young, young, young. Well, we don’t have that problem. We got some veteran guys.” Oats then “clarified” his comments on March 16, saying he meant no disrespect to Kentucky and that he misused the word “whining,” but maintained that “We’re experienced, they’re inexperienced. It is what it is.”
Tiger Woods disappoints at Arnold Palmer Invitational
Though he started off strong in the opening round on March 16, Tiger Woods will begin the third round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational seven shots behind the lead. According to USA Today Sports, Woods started the day with a bogey, made another bogey at the ninth hole and finished with only two birdies. Woods said of his performance, “Today was a hard fight … I didn’t hit the ball close, I didn’t hit the ball well, but I was just hanging in there.”
